We all associate chocolate with unhealthy foods, right? But what if I tell you that eating dark chocolate can actually be good for your health? But remember, the keyword here is 'dark', so we're not talking about those milk or white chocolates that are 50% sugar.
Unlike other sweets, dark chocolate is actually a nutrient-dense superfood in disguise. It is the perfect and healthy sweet treat for anyone, and you can satisfy your post-meal sweet tooth with dark chocolate instead of ice cream, pastries, or pudding. It can be very beneficial because you're not only removing the unhealthy snack but also adding something that is good for your health. By eating dark chocolate, you can manage your sugar cravings and keep your sugar intake in check!
But where do these benefits of dark chocolates come from, you ask? They come from the cocoa that is present in different kinds of dark chocolates in varying amounts. This cocoa is a natural source of fibre, vitamins and minerals, which gives dark chocolate the potential benefits for your brain, heart, gut, mental and overall health.
Although milk chocolate also contains cocoa, it is present in lesser quantities. Besides, they have a higher percentage of sugar, which takes away any potential benefits of whatever cocoa there is. Anyway, back to dark chocolate. I think it's pretty rare to find something so delicious that is also healthy, but that's exactly what dark chocolate is.
For this blog, I asked ToneOp's health experts what makes this sweet treat so good. Below, you will find the top three benefits of dark chocolate for your brain, which everyone talked about!
Table of Contents
- Is Dark Chocolate Good For The Brain?
- What Are The Three Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate?
- How Much Dark Chocolate Should I Eat A Day For Memory?
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Is Dark Chocolate Good For The Brain?
Do you wanna know an interesting fact? The term 'chocolate' – just plain simple chocolate – actually means dark chocolate. Real chocolate, made from the seeds of cacao trees, is bitter because there is no sugar added to it, and it is rich in nutrients. However, the term 'chocolate' has lost its meaning, and now people use it to refer to the sweetened milk variety. But now you know something your friends probably don't!
Unlike other processed chocolates, dark chocolate doesn't rely on artificial additives or excessive sugar, retaining cocoa's natural flavours and health benefits. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants, fibre, iron, magnesium and essential minerals, making it a healthy indulgence. However, it is still important to consume it in moderation.
So, how does dark chocolate improve brain function?
Dark chocolate helps improve brain function thanks to its antioxidants and blood flow-enhancing properties. Flavonoids in cocoa play a starring role in improving cognitive abilities, attention and memory. ToneOp's experts say that these flavonoids are linked to enhanced nerve cell growth and activity in brain regions involving learning and memory, especially the hippocampus.
The flavonoids in cocoa may help preserve cognitive function in people growing older with mild cognitive impairment, reduce the risk of dementia progression and protect against cognitive decline.
Additionally, cocoa contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which are natural stimulants. These compounds have been shown to have mild stimulating effects on the brain, potentially improving alertness, focus, and cognitive function.
Also Read: 12 Best Exercises For Brain Health To Improve Memory, Cognition And Mental Wellness
What Are The Three Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate?
Here are the top three benefits of eating dark chocolate, according to ToneOp’s experts:
1. Improves Blood Flow To The Brain
Flavonoids in dark chocolate boost brain health by increasing blood flow. A Harvard study found that drinking flavonoid-rich hot chocolate for just 2-3 hours improved working memory by 30%. This enhanced blood flow is especially beneficial for the elderly, helping prevent mental decline.
2. Reduce Cortisol & Stress
Dark chocolate contains magnesium, which is crucial for both physical and mental health, yet many Indians fall short of the recommended daily intake. One of the key benefits of consuming magnesium is reducing cortisol, the stress hormone, and helping ease issues like insomnia, anxiety, and depression. It's so effective that magnesium is often called ‘nature's Valium’ and the ‘original chill pill’.
3. Prevents Depressive Symptoms
Dark chocolate isn’t just a treat, and we all know that by now! Packed with fibre, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants, it can enhance a person's mood, reduce stress, and even help prevent depression. A 2022 study found that adults who ate 85% cocoa chocolate daily maintained better moods than individuals who ate chocolate with lower or no cocoa content.
Also Read: Understanding Seasonal Depression In Winter: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment for SAD
How Much Dark Chocolate Should I Eat A Day For Memory?
The darker the chocolate, the better!
The reason dark chocolate wins the award for being the healthiest sweet treat is that it contains much less added sugar and fat than milk or white chocolates and is much less processed. Additionally, it has a higher content of flavonoids.
Our experts recommend consuming around 30-60 grams of dark chocolate for memory. This amount provides the benefits of flavonoids without overdoing the calories!
Dietitian’s Recommendation
Dark chocolate is not just a treat but a celebration of your brain health wrapped in rich, delicious flavours. I would recommend consuming 30g to 50g of high-quality dark chocolate after a meal and making it a part of a healthy and balanced diet that includes the suggested amounts of proteins, carbs, fibre, fats and other nutrients.
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Dark chocolate is undoubtedly the brain's ally. It comes with a mix of cognitive enhancers and mood enhancers. By protecting the brain from oxidation and other harmful processes, it helps you maintain functionality, focus and fitness. To get the most benefits, it is important that you choose the darkest possible chocolate, ideally one that contains 70% cocoa or more; the higher the cocoa content, the more beneficial it is for you.
FAQs
1. What are dark chocolate's side effects?
Dark chocolate can have side effects if consumed in excess or if it contains certain ingredients, including heavy metals. These side effects are weight gain, digestive problems, caffeine-related problems, headaches, and allergic reactions.
2. Which dark chocolate is best for the brain?
The best dark chocolate for the brain might be the one with a low sugar content and a higher purity of cocoa powder. Choosing 85-95% dark chocolate would, therefore, offer the best option for chocolate consumption, followed by 70%.
3. When is the best time to eat dark chocolate?
The best time to eat dark chocolate is after a meal to satisfy sweet cravings and boost mood without affecting blood sugar spikes.
References
- https://www.deseret.com/23873642/physical-mental-health-benefits-dark-chocolate-superfood/
- https://my.klarity.health/benefits-of-dark-chocolate-for-the-brain/
- https://zoe.com/learn/dark-chocolate-health-benefits
- https://bebrainfit.com/benefits-dark-chocolate/
- https://www.icicilombard.com/blogs/health-insurance/mb/dark-chocolate-benefits-for-brain
- https://www.bipri.com/4-brain-boosting-benefits-of-dark-chocolate/
- https://drhelenapopovic.com/is-dark-chocolate-really-brain-healthy/
- https://lec.org/blog/health/how-much-dark-chocolate-can-i-eat-every-day/
About ToneOp Fit
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